The bobsled pilot, who has collected 13 medals in 14 North American Cup races, was recently selected to pilot one of the American sleds at the World Championships next month in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

Bascue will be the third pilot for Team USA behind Steven Holcomb and either Nick Cunningham or Cory Butner.

Bascue’s father, Craig, described the development as “huge” and said he’s been training in Switzerland since Jan. 10 when he learned the promotion could be a possibility.

The World Championships are the biggest and most prestigious bobsledding events in non-Olympic years. At 18 years old, Bascue will be the youngest competitor in the field. He is considered one of the top young pilots in the world.

Training for the competition begins next week and races will be held on Saturday and Sunday Feb. 2 and 3.